In the 9th century emir Muhamad I built a fortress to protect the routes to Toledo. For 250 years Mayrit would be the north border of al-Andalus. Unfortunately, few traces has been left. Artistic, vibrant and filled with culinary hotspots spending your time seeing the Gran Via, Plaza de Espana, Royal Palace & Puerta del Sol (the city’s main square) will not go to waste as you explore the heart of the city.

Day 2 - Madrid to Granada

Walk the Madrid de los Austrias and La Latina the muslim quarter Moreria for centuries after the christian conquest in 1085. Private shuttle to the train station. Enjoy a pleasant trip to Granada (3h30) in a fast speed train.

Free time add-ons:

The spot for shopping top brands is the Outlet Las Rozas Villages located in the suburbs but easy to get there.

Day 3 - Granada

The hilltop city of Granada surrounded by mountains and irrigated by two rivers, was the last fort of al-Andalus falling in the year 1492. Walking through the historic center, you will discover the trace of 800 years of Islamic presence in the many old building,local gastronomy and culture -for example, the famous spanish guitar may be an evolution of an instrument brought from Damasco by Ziryab an influencer in the court of Abd al-Rahman III-.

Visit the Nasrid palaces of Alhambra. Its militar fortress and ancient medina for the service of the court. The king countryside palace, the Generalife with magnificent gardens.

Sightseeing tour of the Albayzin quarter. Explore the mysterious maze of alleyways of the old muslim quarter. Enjoy the astounding views over Alhambra and Sierra Nevada mountains from the Masjid gardens next to famous San Nicolas viewpoint.

The palace Dar al-Horra in the oldest part of Albayzin, the official residence of Aixa mother of the last emir of Granada Boabdil. The Hammam al-Yawza “El Bañuelo”. Best preserved public arab baths in the Iberian Peninsula. An example of a wealthy family house in times of the Nasrid, Horno de Oro house.

Day 4 - Granada to Cordoba

Roam through the streets of the Realejo, the old jewish quarter. Discover the local handicrafts. The Fajalauza a traditional ceramic technique of hand painted glazed clay brought 500 years from Middle East. And Taracea a decorative art consisting in adding pieces of ivory, silver or bone in wood.

Continue the journey to Cordoba the old capital of al-Andalus. By the 10th century, muslim Qurtuba became a center of knowledge with countless libraries, schools and universities. It was the world’s most populated city, but suffered a sharp decrease in population during the Renaissance.

We will visit first the old Mosque of Cordoba, famous for its red and white arches and its mihrab the site is a World Heritage protected by the Unesco. Nowadays, it is the cathedral of Cordoba. Afterwards, we will explore the old muslim quarter (nowadays known as the “Jewish quarter”. Walking through these narrow streets you will learn the history of this neighborhood listed by UNESCO as world heritage while enjoy the beauty of its whitewashed houses and courtyards full of flowers. We will see many examples of islamic architecture from Al Andalus times.

Pop in the arts & crafts center to discover why Cordoba handicrafts are worldwide famous. Take a nice shot from the roman bridge and the Calahorra tower.

Free Time Ads-Ons:

Al Andalus interactive museum (Calahorra Tower)
Visit a workshop of jewelry to discover the art of the Filigree technique

Day 5 - Cordoba to Seville

Visit Madinat Al Zahra the city built by caliph Abd al-Rahman III in the 10th century to show the world the splendor of its kingdom. The archaeological site is located 5 km away from Cordoba. It is listed as world heritage by UNESCO for it’s great example of the sophisticated urban planification in al-Andalus. Continue the journey to the capital of the Andalusia region Seville for overnight. Continue the journey to Seville, capital of Andalusia.

The islamic imprint of ancient Isbilya is not large, as the city falled in 1248 in hands of Fernando III. However, it still deserves a visit because of the beauty of its palaces, parks and river wadi al-Kabir. In times of the caliphate, an important route to Cordoba.

Historically it has been rich city due to the effervescent activity of this port as the river flows into the Atlantic ocean. Here were established the main routes for trading with the New World since the America conquest (1492).

Free Time Ads-Ons:

Visit the archeological site of Italica the first roman city founded in the Iberian Peninsula. The mosaics of the houses are amazing.

Day 6 - Seville to Madrid

Discover the islamic heritage of this city. Today belltower of Seville’s cathedral, la Giralda was once the minaret of the old Masjid of muslim Isbiliya. The Golden Tower is another landmark of the city. We will continue exploring the historic district and Santa Cruz quarter, and we will walk along the boulevard on the banks of the river Guadalquivir on our way to the beautiful Plaza de España. Travel to Madrid for overnight.